The Thoughts of We

If you want to live in a world free of fear, imagine a world in which women can walk the streets without being harassed by men. Police officers no longer have to worry about their safety, and immigrants and refugees are welcomed with open arms. Every child is cherished, and nonviolent methods are the norm for conflict resolution. The climate is a cleaner place to live, and every government works to prevent climate change.

But why is fear so essential? One theory is that it protects us from danger. Our brains are geared to react to threats by signaling fear, and without it, we will suffer greatly. This theory has prompted scientists to create a genetic disorder that affects people with the condition Urbach-Wiethe disease. In addition to causing a hoarse voice, the disease causes deposits in the brain.

The reason people are unable to feel fear is because of a biological defect called Urbach-Wiethe disease. The disease makes people a hoarse voice and has small bumps on the eyelids. However, they still feel fear. Despite this defect, they are healthy and have no problem with other emotions. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t a cure for the condition.